FROM “BUSH BUNNY BRENDA“ DATE: JUNE 17, 2023 NEW HOME FOR TODDLERS Our 2 baby homes are busting at the seams as they host 18 of our 24 toddler/infants in residence. Time to get serious about building more bedrooms. The area next to our Ostrich House was vacated by a widow who moved in with her son, so we tore down that mud house. That gives us room to build on a 3 BEDROOM HOME ADDITION to the Ostrich House Complex. We are now busy putting in the required concrete corner posts for the chain link fencing that will close off this area from the public. Sand must be stockpiled inside the fenced area BEFORE we can complete the front fencing. The 3 bedrooms will close off the entire entry area into the land once construction begins as this building is 20 meters/65 feet long. Just an empty piece of ground now but it will soon host our little ones! Putting in the required corner posts at the Ostrich House. It will take us 4 to 5 months to build, which means completion will be just in time to move many of the 3‑year-old toddlers and their Foster Mothers into their new home before the rainy season begins in November. Our family is 54 children strong, and is expected to grow. With only 1 boy graduating in November, it is a must that we build on. THE LORD HAS PROVIDED FOR THIS PROJECT, AS HE KNEW WE NEEDED IT BEFORE I DID! WEE WITTLE ONES ALWAYS EAGER FOR PHOTO TAKING Each time I visit the Zebra and Leopard homes, I am surrounded by little ones wanting my hugs and attention. That is great until I want to take a photo, which is impossible with them all crowding around me. With help from the mothers, I was able to snap this group shot of some of the toddlers. Some of our ever-growing little ones at Zebra House. They are a lively bunch for sure! (left to right in the photo) BACK ROW: JULIO, 3 years; MAEZINHA, 3 years; ADELIDE 5 years; SALVADOR, 2.5 years; SUSANNA (red sweater), 2 years. FRONT ROW: (Left to right) TWIN CRECENCIA, 18 months; and ABROSIO, 15 months. The bare bottom one in the foster mother’s arms in the background is the twin brother to Crecencia, CRECENCIO, 18 months. He is much smaller than his sister, and is just getting over malaria. He was just coming from taking a bath, so forgive his bare bottom. BABY JOAO SITTING UP AT 6 MONTHS Couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw baby Joao already sitting up independently in the play area! He is growing fast, and could easily be a very strong boy if he continues at his present weight gain pace. I take my eyes off these little ones for a week, and they are no longer little! Baby Joao wants in on the fun with his new family. FOOD BUYING CONTINUES A train of Montega Beans headed for the bean barn. Also completed receiving the Juko Beans today. God has Blessed our children with a variety of healthy food. MONTEGA AND JUKO BEANS are now in the barn, so our food buying is on schedule. Now we wait for the peanuts. The corn and rice will be bought in July, as it is not totally dry yet. KEEP YOUR PRAYERS COMING, AS WE MARCH AHEAD AT A FAST PACE WHILE THE LAND IS DRY AND MANY PROJECTS ARE POSSIBLE. BLESSINGS, BUSH BUNNY BRENDA LANGE AND THE BALAMA STAFF |